Choose MOGO

Here’s a quick quiz:

To get calcium, you should consume….
To get omega-3 fatty acids, you should eat….
For protein, you need….

If you answered milk, fish and meat, then you’ve been conditioned — through habit, tradition and culture — to believe like most people in the U.S. do (and, increasingly, like other people around the world). Of course, the more specific answer to the first one is cow’s milk (or perhaps goat’s milk). Not cat’s milk. Not hyena’s milk. Not gorilla’s milk. And certainly not human’s milk (unless you’re a human infant). Why cows? ‘Cause they were easier to domesticate. And, where do the cows get their calcium? Where do the animals people eat get their protein? Where do the fish get their omega-3 fatty acids? From plants. So, why do we still insist on consuming animal products (and thus condoning and supporting the horrible suffering the animals endure, the devastation of the environment that occurs, the poverty and hunger that prevail, etc.) instead of going directly to the source? These were two of the key points of the talk I heard Saturday from Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, creator of Compassionate Cooks and a well-known cookbook author, lecturer, and podcaster. Colleen was one of several fabulous speakers at Portland’s recent 4th annual VegFest, which was sponsored by Northwest VEG (several MOGOers are members).

In addition to hearing Colleen debunk the myths of a veg diet, I was able to listen to Paul Shapiro, senior director of the Factory Farming Campaign for the Humane Society of the United States, talk about some of the changes here in the U.S. in the policies and practices regarding farmed animals. Another terrific speaker at VegFest was Mia McDonald, public policy expert and executive director of Brighter Green. Mia talked about the connection between eating animals and the destruction of the environment (and rise of global climate change).

I mention these speakers not to brag about how fabulous our event was (though it was), but to let you know about these three great sources of information that can be useful to you, whether you’re wanting to share information with others, or are someone wanting to increase your knowledge and learn additional ways to make MOGO (Most Good) choices in your life.

Colleen has a great podcast, Vegetarian Food for Thought, on her website. In addition to sharing tasty food info and interesting information and insights about veg issues, Colleen also reads excerpts from relevant literature and articles. So, there’s always great stuff there to explore and discuss.

Mia’s Brighter Green site is a public policy

“action tank” that “aims to raise awareness and encourage dialogue on and attention to issues that span the environment, animals, and sustainable development both globally and locally.” At the site you’ll find a list of resources dealing with equity, sustainability and rights, as well as a blog.

HSUS’s Factory Farming site has information, news, research and multimedia resources about factory farmed animals and factory farming issues, as well as suggestions for taking action. You can also keep track of what changes corporations and governments are making and follow legislative actions. So, there’s plenty to research, discuss and debate.

~ Marsha, Portland MOGO Founder